Will septoplasty correct my crooked nose? (Photo)

Question

I met with a board-certified ENT earlier this week and he informed me that I have a septal deviation with an obstructive spur. I would like to know if the procedure will straighten the outward appearance of my nose. I have attached a picture of myself and an x-ray that closely resembles the x-ray taken of my sinuses. I will be having my turbinates reduced along with the septoplasty. Also, what is the most effective approach to treating my form of deviation and will the cartilage be excised?

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Correcting a grossly deviated nasal septum can some cases help fix the crooked nose as well.  However, it cannot be guaranteed.  In some cases the nasal bones have to be broken and set straight as well.  Your best option would be to undergo a septorhinoplasty as opposed to only a septoplasty.RegardsDr. J

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A septoplasty can be considered in both functional and cosmetic cases. Any changes in external appearance for cosmetic improvement will not be be covered by insurance.  The breathing aspects are sometimes covered by insurance.  There can be many causes for breathing difficulties, and a deviated septum may be one.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your photos,  septoplasty alone will not straighten the outside of your nose.  The spur on the CT is far back in your nose and is bone.  To straighten the outside of your nose, you would need a rhinoplasty.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A septoplasty is performed for medical necessity when there is a breathing problem occurring in the back of the nose. A septoplasty will not change the shape of the external appearance of the nose. A rhinoplasty is performed to straighten a crooked nose which includes osteotomies and cartilage spreader graft placement.  A rhinoplasty can be performed with a septoplasty under one anesthesia with one recovery period, however patients must be for the cosmetic component themselves.For more information about the differences between the 2 procedures, please see the link and video below

J. Charles Finn, MD · Answer

Septoplasty may help your breathing, but won't change the outside appearance of your nose. To change the outside appearance and fix the septum, you need septorhinoplasty. If you are ever considering rhinoplasty, it is important to do the septoplasty at the same time as the cartilage removed with the septoplasty is often needed for the rhinoplasty.As an aside, CT scans often exagerate the appearance of a deviated septum. Clinical exam is more important. That CT also shows chronic sinusitis. I am guessing you also have allergy or rhinitis issues. Surgery is only part of the solution, you need good medical management as well.

Dennis Barek, MD (retired) · Answer

The septum, the partition inside the nose, is operated on usually for airway improvement. Your nose is crooked and can only be corrected with an approporiate rhinoplasty. Both can be done at the same time.

Will septoplasty correct my crooked nose? (Photo)

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